Lionel Messi is looking forward to working under new Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova and expects that the Blaugrana will largely operate in the same way as last season when Josep Guardiola was in charge.

 

Guardiola ended four successful seasons in the Camp Nou dugout last month, with his assistant Vilanova being promoted to the top job.

 

The new coach has a tough task on his hands as Real Madrid took Barcelona’s La Liga title last season and the Blaugrana want it back.

 

Messi is relishing the challenge to come in 2012/13 and expects that Vilanova is very much the face of continuity.

 

"I am very glad that Tito is replacing Guardiola because we know him", said the Argentine.

 

"He works like Guardiola because they did everything together.

 

"Obviously the progress under Guardiola was stopped and we did not expect it, but not much will change, with Tito, the style of play, the way we work, will be the same or similar.

 

"We are excited to be with Tito."

 

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